Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West

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Day 1 Vancouver to Kamloops

Departing early in the morning, travel onboard Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops, located in the heart of British Columbia's interior. On today's journey, you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like landscapes of the BC interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day ends in the evening as the train travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake into the town of Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops. B, L.

Day 2 Kamloops to Banff (or Lake Louise) 

Early in the morning, your journey continues eastward to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again, you will experience ever-changing scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the iconic glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends this evening in the resort town of Banff. B, L.

• SilverLeaf features single-level coaches with seat-side dining, while GoldLeaf offers bi-level coaches with a dedicated dining area and a partially open-air viewing platform.
• Hotel and room types in Kamloops also vary by service class.

❓Can I request an upgrade on the day of departure?

Yes, upgrades may be available at the station on the day of departure, subject to availability.

❓What should I wear onboard the train?

Dress onboard is casual. We recommend: Comfortable, breathable layers. A light jacket or sweater (due to air conditioning). Flat-soled shoes with grip. A hat and sunglasses for sunny days

❓What should I bring onboard the train?

Bring a small day pack or bag that fits at your feet, as there is no overhead or under-seat storage. Your checked luggage will be inaccessible during the day.

Bag size guidelines:

• GoldLeaf: 16” x 11” x 8” (40cm x 28cm x 20cm)
• SilverLeaf: 23” x 8” x 8” (58cm x 20cm x 20cm)

❓What are the checked luggage allowances?

Your ticket includes complimentary luggage handling between destinations. Each guest may check: Up to 2 pieces of luggage

• Maximum total weight per person: 30 kg / 66 lbs
• Maximum per piece: 23 kg / 50 lbs

All bags must have a Rocky Mountaineer luggage tag and a personal ID tag with full name, return address, and phone number. Oversized items may incur a surcharge. Fragile items must be packed with care. Rocky Mountaineer is not responsible for damage.

❓What kind of weather should I expect?

Canadian routes pass through coastal, desert, and alpine climates. Weather varies greatly by region and season. Kamloops can reach 38°C / 100°F in summer. The Canadian Rockies may have sudden weather changes and can be cold, even in summer.

❓What should I pack for the trip?

We suggest packing for varying climates. Recommended items:

• Lightweight waterproof jacket or windbreaker
• Warm jacket for spring/fall
• Midweight fleece or wool sweater
• Quick-dry layers
• Waterproof sightseeing shoes
• Casual sneakers/sandals
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Small backpack or daypack
• Scarf
• Camera & a good book
• If hiking: hiking shoes, wool socks, bug spray, water bottle